Proceedings Paper

We have investigated several methods to reduce reflectance and scattering levels from a selected group of highly absorbing materials. Each material has vastly different morphologies but similar reflectance and scattering levels. The highly absorbing materials considered in this study include: fibrous black appliques, carbon aerogels, Martin Black, and Enhanced Martin Black. Our investigation reveals that for the fibrous appliques, the fiber area density and length are the dominant factors in determining their absorption properties. For the porous materials that utilize cavities to absorb and trap incident radiation, our results indicate that the cavity geometry and surface pore density are the dominant factors in determining the effectiveness of a porous applique in absorbing light. With regards to the carbon aerogels, the aerogel porosity has the largest impact on its absorption levels. Finally, in order to reduce the reflectance properties of the anodized surfaces requires modifying the surface structure and dye characteristics.